CHAPTER SEVEN
Catching a murderer
At five thirty that evening Logan followed Alice Maclennan into her living room. As they sat down, Alice Maclennan spoke.
'You said on the phone, Inspector, that you needed my help. I don't see how I can help you. I've already told you everything I know.'
'I know,' said Logan, 'but I'd like you to do something for me, and my hope is that we can then catch the person who murdered your husband.'
'What do you mean?' asked Alice Maclennan.
Logan looked into Alice's eyes.
'Mrs Maclennan,' asked Logan softly, 'have you thought about who the murderer could be?'
'I'm hoping that it's someone who broke into the house looking for money,' she said quietly, 'but I think it probably isn't.'
Logan said nothing. Alice Maclennan looked at Logan and then down at her hands.
'I think it's probably someone I know,' said Alice Maclennan, 'maybe someone I'm close to. And that's a terrible thought.'
'I know. It must be very difficult for you,' said Logan. 'Sadly, it almost certainly is someone close to you or your husband.'
Alice Maclennan stood up and walked across the room to the window. Then she turned round and looked at Logan.
'Well, who do you think it is and what do you want me to do?' she asked.
'As far as I can see, it's good news for two people that your husband is dead - Ian Ross and your brother. Ross hated Alex. Your brother -needs money badly and you will now be very rich.'
Alice Maclennan sat down again.
'That's true,' she said very quietly.
'What I want you to do,' said Logan, 'is phone both Ross and your brother. Tell them that Mr Fraser, who lives in Harden Place just behind your house, has called the police. He saw someone climbing into your bathroom the night your husband was murdered. Tell Ross and your brother the police artist is going to Harden Place tomorrow morning to draw a picture of the person Mr Fraser saw.'
'And what do you think will happen?' asked Alice Maclennan.
'The murderer will want to talk to Mr Fraser,' answered Logan, 'and we will be there waiting.'
Alice Maclennan sat quietly, thinking.
'I need to think what to say,' she said.
Logan sat quietly. Alice Maclennan looked at her and gave a small smile. 'Did you know that I was an actress before I met Alex?' she said.
'Yes, I knew that,' said Logan.
Alice Maclennan turned and picked up the phone.